Program Overview
Project SENIOR (Serving Elders Needs In Our Region) was established to meet the needs of local elders in need of maintenance and rehabilitation services to their homes. The project targets low-income senior citizens who do not have the financial or physical ability to make the necessary repairs and/or perform routine maintenance to their homes. Since its inception in 2005, Project SENIOR has evolved into a year long program that provides services ranging from changing locks and lightbulbs to the construction of stairs and handicap ramps.
A large majority of the local elder population is living solely off of social security and have to manage their finances very stringently. In the process, issues such as broken or unstable steps, loose railings and accessibility problems go unattended. To address these issues and make the most impact with the dollars at hand, Project SENIOR collaborates with other local non-profits such as Youth Build Lawrence, Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and the local Senior Centers, to provide assistance in a timely and cost efficient manner by utilizing available in-kind labor.
All services are provided at no cost to participants but are limited to the availability of funding. Jobs range in scope from construction of handicap ramps to tasks as simple as changing light bulbs. Based on an average cost of $500 per home for materials/supplies, Project SENIOR hopes to accomplish 40 or more small and large scope projects annually, impacting the lives of 40-80 elders by making their homes a safer place for them to live.